A visit with Justin is always fun. This time I met him in his SOMA loft in downtown San Francisco, a new, hip live/work space where the company's new directions and plans are thoughtfully planned. The group of filmmakers, motion designers, and musicians came up with this year's hit: shooting with vintage Super 8mm film and brilliant 16mm motion picture film. These are among the preferred film formats for Hollywood movies and documentaries. "There is a grainy texture about the film that can't be emulated by post-production video effects. There is a certain feel to it that makes it very compelling to watch," Justin told me.

During his childhood Justin developed an eye for visual composition, watching his photographer Dad take pictures. Later he followed his own artistic talent by studying film and graphic design at the University of California, Berkeley. Fun, fresh, and energetic, with a great sense of personal style, Justin is among the preferred cinematographers at The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, The Julia Morgan Ballroom, and other fine venues and wineries throughout California. His wedding work is shown on national cable channels, such as E! Entertainment, Oprah's Oxygen Network, and TLC. Print magazine publications, such as 7x7 magazine, Brides, Daily Candy, Grace Ormonde, and The Knot have reported about this new style.

As do other event professionals Justin believes in the extensive planning of any event. "First, I ask for the music," he told me. "It sets the tone and tells me if the couple's taste is traditional or nouveau, and if they prefer a romantic vintage film or clean, modern storytelling."

His DVD demo is a good example of what Justin can do for you. I love the old film animation, coupled with the songs from that era. He is a master in setting the scene. For a destination wedding in Las Caletas he started the film with the main street, continued with tortilla-flipping vendors, and then panned the camera towards the ocean. Retro, vintage, or hip, all of Justin films have one thing in common: they create memories. "Although the moment has passed and the big day is over, by watching the DVD, the feelings and emotions will be rekindled. The memory will survive," Justin told me.

References just love working with him. "We did a lot of research before we hired Justin. We loved how fast he responded, how easy and flexible he was, and, last but not least, the quality of his work." "The video is great, the music flows beautifully, he captured everything, and was at the right spot at the right time."